SCARLETS GO STRONG FOR FIRST CONTEST IN LEAGUE HOME DOUBLE

The Scarlets will welcome back four internationals to bolster their side ahead of a key game against Ulster tomorrow evening (Friday 18^th Feb KO 7.05pm) in front of home crowd at Parc y Scarlets.

With two crucial home games on the fixture list now for the 4^th placed Scarlets, wins on home soil against Ulster and next Thursday against Edinburgh would place them in a strong position in their play-off ambitions in the league.

The Scarlets have produced a winning formula at home this season taking victories and a draw in eight of their 11 home games this season – but they know face a close to full strength Ulster side, that will be frustrated with their one-point loss against the Ospreys last weekend.

The Irish side currently sit 6^th in the league on 34 points, the Scarlets on 41 points.  The Scarlets have won three of their last four clashes with Ulster, whilst the Ulstermen have never won in Llanelli.

Back into the Scarlets starting line-up comes new Wales caps Rhys Priestland (outside half) and Josh Turnbull (back row) with Rob McCusker (back row) released by Wales and Sean Lamont (wing) by Scotland – all very eager to get more game time on the field in the Scarlets jersey.

Scarlets starting XV v Ulster 18/02/11, Parc y Scarlets kick-off 1905: Daniel Evans, Gareth Maule, Regan King, Scott Williams, Sean Lamont, Rhys Priestland, Martin Roberts, Iestyn Thomas (capt), Emyr Phillips, Rhys Thomas, Vernon Cooper, Lou Reed, Rob McCusker, Josh Turnbull, Ben Morgan.

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Rhodri Jones, Simon Gardiner, Jonny Fa’amatuainu, Johnathan Edwards, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Newton, Joe Ajuwa.

Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: “The spirit amongst the group this week has been really positive, there’s been a buzz around training at Parc y Scarlets with the added energy of some of boys who have been on international duty coming back.

“The players are eager to push on and add to the good work they have done in the league so far this season.  We have made it a priority and focus and the boys returning to the Scarlets jersey tomorrow night will want to show the added confidence they’ve had from being in their international camps in the past few weeks. It’s been really obvious how eager they are to get out and play back here this weekend.

“We know Ulster will be at pretty much at full strength and with a number of returning Irish squad members as well, will be throwing everything at this game.   The league competition is very tight at the top end of the Magners and they play-off ambitions like us and will be keen to knock us back.

“We have to target our home games, we’ve said that all season and our form here has improved from last season. These next two games are key to our ambitions in the league. It’s a huge month for us, if we can get some results now in these next three games, it will go a long way to deciding whether we are in with a chance of a play-off place.”

“We’ve had a big contribution and effort from our pack in recent games – it’s an area of our game we’ve focused on and they have stood-up extremely well, given the number of injuries we’ve had – and we are hoping for further improvements. The forwards will play a big part in these next league games and are key to our ability to be competitive at the top end of the league.”